Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

Problems from this surgery are rare, but all surgeries have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems. These may include:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Infection

Excess bleeding

Heart attack or stroke

Blood clots

Death

Excess scarring or narrowing in the ureter that can lead to kidney problems

Failure to remove the kidney stone

Problems urinating

Bowel blockages

Excess scarring of incision

Hernia

Smoking may increase your risk of complications.

Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may take the following:

Images of your urinary system to locate the stone

Blood and urine tests

Ask about your medical history

Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Do not start taking any new medications, herbs, or supplements without talking to your doctor.

You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week before the procedure.

Arrange for a ride from the hospital. Arrange for help at home as you recover.

The night before your surgery, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep. It is given through a vein in the arm or hand.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in your side or abdomen. The incision location will depend on exactly where the stone is. Both muscle and skin will need to be cut to expose the ureter. The stone will be located in the ureter. An incision will be made in the ureter just above the stone. The stone will then be removed. A stent may be placed in the ureter. This is a device to help keep the ureter open. The ureter will then be sewn shut with stitches. The muscles and skin will then be sewn shut with stitches or staples. A tube may be placed in the wound. It will help drain out any extra fluids while the wound heals.

The stone may be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Immediately After Procedure

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. X-rays may be taken to make sure the stone was completely removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 60-90 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You will be given medication to help manage pain during recovery.

Average Hospital Stay

You may need to stay in the hospital for about 3 to 4 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You may need oxygen for a brief time after your operation.

You will have a tube near your incision. It will be removed once fluid stops draining from the wound. This generally happens within 3 to 4 days of surgery.

You may have an IV until you are eating and drinking normally.

You will have a catheter that will drain your urine until you are able to move around on your own.

You will be given pain medication as needed.

You may be encouraged to exercise by walking the day after surgery.

You may be given blood thinning medication to prevent clots.

At Home

It can take 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from this procedure. When you return home, take these steps:

Ask your doctor when it is safe to have sex.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Extreme urge or inability to urinate

Excess bleeding

Bruising

Redness or swelling at the site of the incision

Pus draining from the site of the incision

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications you were given after the procedure

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

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